Overview
- Kelly, 62, joins David Braun's staff after coordinating Ohio State’s 2024 national championship offense and being fired by the Raiders on Nov. 23 following a 2-9 start.
- He replaces Zach Lujan, whose two-year tenure as offensive coordinator concludes with his contract expiring.
- Northwestern finished 7-6 in 2025 but ranked No. 96 nationally in both total offense and scoring, averaging 23.4 points per game.
- Braun called the hire a program-defining move in the school’s announcement, highlighting Kelly’s quarterback development and adaptable tempo schemes.
- The timing precedes the Jan. 2 transfer portal window and coincides with next season’s opening of the new Ryan Field, underscoring the program’s push to accelerate offensive improvement.